At roughly the middle of official winter there are now 60 cm of snow on the ground in Algonquin, compared to 72 cm at this time last year. However, the walking trails are packed down and easily accessible. Numerous birders reported most of the Park’s specialty boreal species, and moderate numbers but a good variety of winter finches. The Visitor Centre at km 43 on Highway 60 continues to be a good location for viewing and photographing finches, at the feeders, on the driveway and in the parking lot.
Unusual for Algonquin Bohemian Waxwing: two eating berries along the Logging Museum Trail on Jan 30. American Crow: one reported along Highway 60 near the Outdoor Theatre on Jan 24. Crows are very infrequent during winter in the Park. Boreal Species Spruce Grouse: seen all week at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, often near the first short boardwalk at the start of the trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 24 (near the kettle bog), Jan 25, and Jan 28 (two on several trees with fresh bark removed behind the washroom at the parking lot). One was also noted at the start of the Mizzy Lake Trail on Jan 30. Canada Jay: reported at Bat Lake Trail, Lake of Two Rivers Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and Logging Museum Trail. Boreal Chickadee: no reports again despite much birding in prime habitat. Winter Finches Evening Grosbeak: up to 25, but usually 15 or fewer, daily at the Visitor Centre feeders, mostly in the morning. No reports received from any other locations. PINE GROSBEAK: reports of four at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Jan 29) and two on Opeongo Road and two at the Logging Museum (Jan 30). Purple Finch: seen regularly along Highway 60 and up to 50 at the Visitor Centre feeders. COMMON REDPOLL: a single bird calling in flight was reported over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 26. Red Crossbill: continue to be widespread in small numbers. Good views of birds in Visitor Centre parking lot and near feeders. White-winged Crossbill: widespread in low numbers, with several in song indicating breeding. Pine Siskin: widespread in small numbers and regular at the Visitor Centre. American Goldfinch: widespread in low numbers along Highway 60, and at the Visitor Centre. Additional birds seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeders included: Wild Turkey (7), Ruffed Grouse (1), American Tree Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (6) and Red-winged Blackbird (first year male present since Jan 8). DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the Park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map showing birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
